First comes the sweat. Then comes the beauty if you're very lucky and have said your prayers.
George BalanchineRead
The mirror is not you. The mirror is you looking at yourself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the distinction between self-perception and true self-identity.
George Balanchine's quote illustrates the concept that our self-image is often shaped by how we perceive ourselves rather than who we truly are. The mirror serves as a metaphor for reflection, suggesting that it only shows us an image based on our self-view, not the essence of our being. This invites deeper contemplation on self-identity and the nature of perception.
Themes
Self-PerceptionIdentityReflectionPhilosophySelf-Image
In practice
Example use cases
In a self-help workshop when discussing personal growth.
More from George Balanchine
All quotes →I don't want people who want to dance; I want people who have to dance.
George BalanchineRead
God creates, I do not create. I assemble and I steal everywhere to do it - from what I see, from what the dancers can do, from what others do.
George BalanchineRead
Most ballet teachers in the United States are terrible. If they were in medicine, everyone would be poisoned.
George BalanchineRead
One is born to be a dancer. No teacher can work miracles, nor will years of training make a good dancer of an untalented pupil. One may be able to acquire a certain technical facility, but no one can ever 'acquire an exceptional talent.' I have never prided myself on having an unusually gifted pupil. A Pavlova is no one's pupil but God's.
George BalanchineRead
The pointes for girls, I always say, have to be like an elephant's trunk; strong and yet flexible and soft.
George BalanchineRead
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